foundation of nursing questions and answers

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Assess the integrity of the patients oral mucosa regularly. Myelosuppression leads to decreased white blood cells, increasing infection risk. The oral mucosa can be a common site for infections. Regular assessment helps in early detection and intervention. A: Encouraging small meals does not directly address infection risk in myelosuppressed patients. B: Providing skin care is important for overall patient care but does not directly address the leading cause of infection-related death. C: Assisting with hygiene is important but does not specifically target the leading cause of infection-related death in oncology patients.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Does she have a sense of peace of mind and a purpose to her life? This question is crucial during a spiritual assessment because it addresses the patient's emotional well-being and coping mechanisms in the face of a terminal diagnosis. It helps assess the patient's spiritual beliefs, values, and sources of strength, which can impact their ability to find meaning and comfort during difficult times. It also provides insights into the patient's resilience and ability to navigate their emotions and find peace amidst uncertainty. Choice A is incorrect because it focuses on the patient's ability to deliver negative news to her family, which is important but not as central to the patient's spiritual well-being in this context. Choice C is incorrect as it assumes the patient needs to let go of her husband, which may not be relevant to her spiritual assessment. Choice D is incorrect as it centers on bargaining with God for a cure, which may not be reflective of the patient's spiritual beliefs or needs.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Brachytherapy. Brachytherapy involves placing a radiation source near or directly into the tumor site. In this case, after the hysterectomy, the source of radiation is placed near the cervical cancer site to deliver targeted radiation therapy. This method helps reduce the risk of cancer recurrence by delivering high doses of radiation to the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. Choice A (Internal beam radiation) typically refers to a type of external radiation therapy where radiation beams are directed at the tumor from outside the body, not placed internally like brachytherapy. Choice B (Trachelectomy) is a surgical procedure that involves removal of the cervix while preserving the uterus, not related to radiation therapy. Choice D (External radiation) involves delivering radiation from outside the body using a machine, unlike brachytherapy where the radiation source is placed internally near the tumor site.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Impaired nutritional status. Radiation therapy to the neck can lead to mucositis, dysphagia, and taste changes, which can impair the patient's ability to eat and maintain adequate nutrition. This can lead to weight loss, weakness, and delayed wound healing. Discussing this potential adverse effect with the patient is crucial for proactive management. Choice B: Cognitive changes, and Choice C: Diarrhea are less likely to be direct adverse effects of radiation therapy to the neck. Cognitive changes are more commonly associated with brain radiation, while diarrhea is a more common side effect of abdominal radiation. Choice D: Alopecia is a side effect of chemotherapy, not radiation therapy. Radiation therapy does not typically cause hair loss unless it is in the treatment field. Therefore, discussing alopecia with the patient receiving radiation for a malignant neck tumor is not a priority.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hypogammaglobulinemia. This chronic health problem predisposes individuals to latex allergies due to reduced levels of immunoglobulins, increasing susceptibility to allergic reactions. Latex contains proteins that can trigger immune responses in individuals with compromised immune systems. Choice A: Herpes simplex is a viral infection and does not directly relate to latex allergies. Choice B: HIV weakens the immune system but is not specifically associated with latex allergies. Choice C: Spina bifida is a congenital condition affecting the spinal cord and does not directly impact the likelihood of latex allergies.